Antacid A drug that aids in protecting the digestive system and relieves heartburn and digestive discomfort.

AntibodyA protein produced by the body to eliminate foreign substances, such as bacteria.

Antigen A foreign molecule or substance, such as
a transplant, that triggers an immune response. This response may be
the production of antibodies, which, in turn, try to inactivate or
destroy the antigen (transplanted organ).

Arteriogram (angiogram)An x-ray of the arteries taken with the aid of a dye.

Atherosclerosis A buildup of fats in the lining of the arteries that may interfere with the flow of blood.

B CellA specialized white blood cell responsible for the body's immunity. B cells play a central role in antibody production.

Bacteria Small organisms (germs) that can cause disease.

Bioavailability A measure of how much of an
administered drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, actually reaching
the intended site of action in the body.

Brain DeathWhen the brain has permanently
stopped working, as determined by a neurological surgeon, artificial
support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration
for a few days.

Cadaveric DonorAn individual who has recently
died of causes that do not affect the function of an organ to be
transplanted. Either the person or the person's family has generously
offered organs and/or tissues for transplantation.

Cellcept®An immunosuppressive drug used with
other immunosuppressants to prevent the rejection of the transplanted
organ. Also known by its chemical name, myophenolate mofetil.

CholesterolA form of fat that performs necessary
functions in the body but can also cause heart disease; cholesterol is
found in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy
products.

CoagulationBlood clotting.

CrossmatchA test in which donor and recipient
blood samples are mixed together. A "positive" crossmatch shows the
donor and recipient are incompatible. A "negative" crossmatch shows
there is no reaction between the donor and the recipient. This means
that the donor and recipient are compatible and the transplant may
proceed.

CMV (Cytomegalovirus)A virus infection that is
very common in transplant recipients; it can affect the lungs and other
organs as well; a member of the family of herpes viruses.

DetoxifyTo change a harmful substance into a safer form.

DiabetesA condition in which an insufficient
amount of insulin is produced by the pancreas, resulting in high levels
of glucose in the blood.

Diastolic The bottom of two blood pressure numbers, which measures blood pressure when the heart is at rest.

EdemaExcess fluid in body tissues; swelling of the ankles, for example, is a sign of edema.

ElectrocardiogramA recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

ElectrolyteGenerally refers to the dissolved form of a mineral such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, etc.

EnzymeA protein made in the body and capable of changing a substance from one form to another.

GlucoseA type of sugar found in the blood.

GraftAn organ or tissue that is transplanted.

Graft SurvivalWhen a transplanted tissue or
organ is accepted by the body and functions properly. The potential for
graft survival is increased when the recipient and donor are closely
matched, and when immunosuppressive therapy is used.

HeartThe heart is a myogenic muscular organ that
is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by
repeated, rhythmic contractions.

Helper T CellThe specialized white blood cell that tells other parts of the immune system to combat infection or foreign material.

HematocritA measure of the red-blood-cell content of blood.

HirsutismAn excessive increase in hair growth -
especially male-pattern hair growth in a female. Hirsutism is a common
side effect of corticosteroids and can also occur with cyclosporine
therapy, but is easily treated with depilatory creams or other methods
of hair removal.

Immune SystemThe system that protects the body from invasion by foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, and from cancer cells.

ImmunityA condition of being able to resist a particular infectious disease.

ImmunosuppressionPrevention or suppression of
immune response. Transplant patients receive immunosuppressive drugs in
order to prevent rejection.

Immunosuppressive AgentsMedications given to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.

Imuran®An immunosuppressive drug used with other
immunosuppressive drugs to help prevent the rejection of a transplanted
organ. Also known by its chemical name, azathioprine.

IncompatibleNo likeness or similarity between donor or recipient blood type or organs.

Indiana Organ Procurement Organization (IOPO)IOPO
serves as the integral link between the potential donor and recipient
and is accountable for the retrieval, preservation and transportation of
organs for transplantation. IOPO is an UNOS members as are all Organ
Procurement Organizations.

IV or IntravenousRefers to giving medicines or fluids directly through a vein.

IV CatheterA small needle with a hollow tube inserted into a vein and used to give medicines or fluids.

MatchThe compatibility between recipient and
donor. In general, the more closely the donor and recipient "match", the
greater the potential for a successful transplant.

NeutrophilA type of white blood cell.

NoncomplianceFailure to follow the instructions
of one's health care providers, such as not taking medicine as
prescribed or not showing up for clinic visits.

OrallyBy mouth.

Organ PreservationBetween organ procurement and
transplant, organs require special methods of preservation to keep them
viable. The length of time that organs and tissues can be kept outside
the body varies, depending on the organ, the preservation fluid and the
temperature.

Organ RejectionAn attempt by the immune system to reject or destroy what it recognizes to be a "foreign" presence.

Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA)A way of measuring immune system activity within the body. PRA is higher when more antibodies are being made.

PrednisoneA manufactured steroid hormone taken
by most transplant recipients to help prevent rejections medication that
helps prevent disease.

RejectionAn immune response against grafted tissue, which, if not successfully treated, results in failure of the graft to survive.

RenalRefers to the kidney.

RetransplantationDue to organ rejection or
transplant failure, some patients need another transplant and return to
the waiting list. Reducing the number of retransplants is critical when
examining ways to maximize a limited supply of donor organs.

Sandimmune® (cyclosporin)An earlier formulation
of cyclosporine. An immunosuppressive drug used with other
immunosuppressive drugs, that acts specifically to inhibit helper T
cells, thereby helping prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ.
Sandimmune and Neoral are not bioequivalent and cannot be used
interchangeably without physician supervision.

SensitizedBeing immunized, or able to mount an immune response, against an antigen by previous exposure to that antigen.

SodiumA component of table salt (sodium chloride); an electrolyte that is the main salt in blood.

StatusIndicates the degree of medical urgency for patients awaiting transplants.

Stricture or StenosisA narrowing of passage in the body.

Survival RatesSurvival rates indicate how many
patients or grafts (transplanted organs) are alive/functioning at a set
time post-transplant. Survival rates are often given at one, three and
five years. Policy modifications are never made without examining their
impact on transplant survival rates. Survival rates improve with
technological and scientific advances. Developing policies that reflect
and respond to these advances in transplantation will also improve
survival rates.

SystolicThe top of the two blood pressure
numbers, which measures the maximum blood pressure reached as blood is
pumped out of the heart chambers.

TriglyceridesA form of fat that the body makes from sugar, alcohol, and excess calories.

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)A
mechanical pump used for blood circulation support. It decreases the
workload of the heart while maintaining adequate flow and blood
pressure.

VirusA very small agent (germ) that causes infection.

Waiting ListAfter evaluation by the transplant
physician, a patient is added to the national waiting list by the
transplant center. Lists are specific to both geographic area and organ
type: heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, heart-lung,
kidney-pancreas. Each time a donor organ becomes available, the UNOS
computer generates a list of potential recipients based on factors that
include genetic similarity, organ size, medical urgency and time on the
waiting list. Through this process, a "new" list is generated each time
an organ becomes available.

White Blood CellsCells in the blood that fight infection; part of the immune system.